Critical time for food bank

The board at Kate’s Kitchen held a meeting this week to discuss the issue.

Manager Helen McAnespie said: “We have seen a drastic reduction in donations over the last couple of months and need to seriously consider closing the affordable food project that we run at the end of the month if donations do not increase.

“People can come here and get emergency food parcels.

“We started this maybe three years ago. People can come and pick 15 things for £5.

“This is all donated, but donations have been going down. We are not getting as much as before. I think everybody is feeling the tension.

“(At the meeting) the board said that we might need to put a stop to the free meals as well.”

Asked about the importance of the food bank, Helen added: “There’s definitely been an increase over the past few months of people coming in and asking for food parcels.”

Donations, such as non-perishable food items and toiletries, are welcome from any individual or organisation. They can be brought to Kate’s Kitchen.

Meanwhile, the affordable food shop is available at Kate’s Kitchen, The Old Bank, 52 High Street, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.